Does unilateral transtibial amputation lead to greater metabolic demand during walking?

Elizabeth Russell Esposito; Kelly M Rodriguez; Christopher A Ràbago; Jason M Wilken

doi:10.1682/JRRD.2014.06.0141

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Does unilateral transtibial amputation lead to greater metabolic demand during walking?

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Does unilateral transtibial amputation lead to greater metabolic demand during walking?

Elizabeth Russell Esposito, Kelly M Rodriguez, Christopher A Ràbago and Jason M Wilken

Journal of rehabilitation research and development, Vol.51(8), pp.1287-1296

2014

DOI: 10.1682/JRRD.2014.06.0141

PMID: 25671680

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https://doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2014.06.0141View

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Abstract

Previous literature reports greater metabolic demand of walking following transtibial amputation. However, most research focuses on relatively older, less active, and often dysvascular amputees. Servicemembers with traumatic amputation are typically young, fit, and highly active before and often following surgical amputation of their lower limb. This study compared the metabolic demand of walking in young, active individuals with traumatic unilateral transtibial amputation (TTA) and nondisabled controls. Heart rate (HR), rate of oxygen consumption, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were calculated as subjects walked at a self-selected velocity and at five standardized velocities based on leg length. The TTA group completed a Prosthetics Evaluation Questionnaire. Oxygen consumption (p = 0.89), net oxygen consumption (p = 0.32), and RPE (p = 0.14) did not differ between groups. Compared with controls, HR was greater in the TTA group and increased to a greater extent with velocity (p < 0.001). Overall, the TTA group rated their walking abilities as high (mean: 93% out of 100%). This is the first study to report equivalent metabolic demand between persons with amputation and controls walking at the same velocity. These results may reflect the physical fitness of the young servicemembers with traumatic amputations and may serve to guide outcome expectations in the future.

Energy Metabolism

Young Adult

Humans

Adult

Male

Surveys and Questionnaires

Amputation - methods

Tibia - surgery

Walking - physiology

Details

Title: Subtitle: Does unilateral transtibial amputation lead to greater metabolic demand during walking?
Creators: Elizabeth Russell Esposito - Center for the Intrepid, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX
Kelly M Rodriguez
Christopher A Ràbago
Jason M Wilken
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of rehabilitation research and development, Vol.51(8), pp.1287-1296
DOI: 10.1682/JRRD.2014.06.0141
PMID: 25671680
NLM abbreviation: J Rehabil Res Dev
ISSN: 0748-7711
eISSN: 1938-1352
Publisher: United States
Language: English
Date published: 2014
Academic Unit: Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
Record Identifier: 9984047788502771

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